Boot tree holder

ABSTRACT

A boot tree holder has a leg portion. The leg portion is configured to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot. A swivel component is coupled to the leg portion. A toe portion is coupled to the swivel component. The toe portion is to be inserted into a foot part of the boot. The swivel component is configured to provide an angle between the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable.

FIELD

Embodiments as described herein relate to shoe holders, and moreparticularly, to boot tree holders.

BACKGROUND

Generally, a shoe tree is a device that is placed inside a shoe topreserve its original shape and thereby extend the life of the shoe.Shoe trees are also used to draw off moisture caused by sweat to protectlining and leather of the shoe from degradation. Shoe trees may bedesigned to fit a wide range of footwear styles.

Generally, the shoe tree is cut of a piece of a material (e.g., plastic,wood, metal) that is inserted into a front portion of the shoe topreserve the original shape at the front of the shoe and keep away odorand moisture.

The shoe tree may have a generic last and a heel that are connected witha spring to fit different shoe sizes. The generic last of the shoe treemay have ventilation holes. The shoe tree may have a split toe to expandinto the shoe when inserted into the shoe.

Generally, a boot tree refers to the shoe tree for boots. Typically,boot trees are used on ankle-high boots. Typically, the boot trees aresimilar to shoe trees but have a higher ankle area.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of boot tree holders and methods to manufacture and usethereof are described. For one embodiment, a boot tree holder comprisesa leg portion that is configured to be inserted into an ankle part of aboot. A swivel component is coupled to the leg portion of the of theboot tree holder. A toe portion of the boot tree holder is coupled tothe swivel component. The toe portion of the of the boot tree holder isconfigured to be inserted into a foot part of the boot. The swivelcomponent of the of the boot tree holder is configured to provide anangle between the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable.

For one embodiment, a boot tree holder comprises a leg portion that isconfigured to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot. The leg portionof the of the boot tree holder comprises a first edge and a second edge.A base is inserted into the leg portion of the of the boot tree holder.The base is at the second edge of the leg portion. A swivel componentcomprises a first end connected to the base and a second end. A rod isconnected to the second end of the swivel component. A toe portion isconnected to the rod. The toe portion of the of the boot tree holder isconfigured to be inserted into a foot part of the boot. The swivelcomponent of the of the boot tree holder is configured to provide abouta 90 degrees angle between the toe portion and the leg portion when thetoe portion is inserted into the foot part of the boot.

A method to manufacture a boot tree holder is described. A first end ofa swivel component is coupled to a leg portion of the boot tree holder.The leg portion is configured to be inserted into an ankle part of aboot. A second end of the swivel component is coupled to a toe portionof the boot tree holder. The toe portion is configured to be insertedinto a foot part of the boot. The swivel component of the of the boottree holder is configured to provide an angle between the toe portionand the leg portion of the of the boot tree holder that is adjustable.

A method to use a boot tree holder to provide a shape to a boot isdescribed. The boot tree holder is inserted into the boot. The bootcomprises an ankle part and a foot part. The boot tree holder comprisesa leg portion that is configured to be inserted into the ankle part ofthe boot. A swivel component is coupled to the leg portion of the of theboot tree holder. A toe portion of the of the boot tree holder iscoupled to the swivel component that is to be inserted into the footpart of the boot. The swivel component is configured to provide an anglebetween the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable when thetoe portion is inserted into the foot part of the boot.

Other features of the application will be apparent from the accompanyingdrawings and from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings illustrate examples and are, therefore, exemplaryembodiments and not considered to be limiting in scope.

FIG. 1A is a view of a boot tree holder according to an embodiment ofthe application.

FIG. 1B is a view of a boot according to an embodiment of theapplication.

FIG. 2 shows a side view and a top view of a boot tree holder accordingto an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 3A is a side view illustrating a swivel component according to anembodiment of the application.

FIG. 3B illustrates a plurality of views of a swivel component that ispositioned at a bottom edge of a base of the boot tree holder accordingto an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 4A shows a side view, a top view and a bottom view of a boot treeholder according to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 4B shows a top view and a side view of a cap for the boot treeholder according to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 5 shows views of a boot tree holder according to an alternativeembodiment of the application.

FIG. 6 shows views of a boot tree holder according to an alternativeembodiment of the application.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a boot tree holder according to analternative embodiment of the application.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method to manufacture a boot tree holderaccording to an embodiment of the application.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 900 to use a boot tree holder toprovide a shape to a boot according to an embodiment of the application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the boot tree holder and methods to manufacture and usethe boot tree holder are described. A boot tree holder comprises a legportion that is configured to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot.A swivel component is coupled to the leg portion of the of the boot treeholder. A toe portion is coupled to the swivel component. The toeportion of the of the boot tree holder is configured to be inserted intoa foot part of the boot. The swivel component of the of the boot treeholder is configured to provide an angle between the toe portion and theleg portion that is adjustable, as described in further detail below.

Various embodiments and aspects will be described with reference todetails discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustratethe various embodiments. The following description and drawings areillustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specificdetails are described to provide a thorough understanding of variousembodiments. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventionaldetails are not described in order to provide a concise discussion ofembodiments.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least oneembodiment. The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “forone embodiment” in various places in the specification do notnecessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Although the processes aredescribed below in terms of some sequential operations, it should beappreciated that some of the operations described may be performed in adifferent order. Moreover, some operations may be performed in parallelrather than sequentially.

FIG. 1A is a view of a boot tree holder 100 according to an embodimentof the application. A boot tree holder 100 comprises a leg portion 101,a toe portion 105, as shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B is a view of a boot 120according to an embodiment of the application. Generally, a boot is atype of shoe that covers the foot and the ankle and extends up the leg,sometimes up to the knee or the hip. Typically, a boot has a heel thatextends from a portion of the sole. As shown in FIG. 1B, a boot 120 hasan ankle part 121 and a foot part 122 that includes a sole 123 of theboot.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, a leg portion 101 of the boot tree holder isconfigured to be inserted into an ankle part 121 of the boot. A toeportion 105 of the boot tree holder is configured to be inserted into afoot part 122 of the boot. A swivel component (not shown) at a base 103is coupled to the leg portion 101. Toe portion 105 is coupled to theswivel component using a rod 104, as shown in FIG. 1A. The swivelcomponent is configured to provide an adjustable angle between the toeportion 105 and the leg portion 101, as described in further detailbelow. For an embodiment, rod 104 is made of metal, as manufactured byZhongshan Tuer Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd. of Zhongshan,Guangdong, China, or as supplied by another connector manufacturer. Foranother embodiment, rod 104 is made of a plastic, or other material. Foran embodiment, the toe portion of the boot tree holder is made of awood, a metal, a plastic, or any combination thereof. For an embodiment,the toe portion 105 is made of a wood, e.g., a cedar to fit into thefoot part of the boot and control odor, absorb moisture, deodorize, andrefresh the boot. For an embodiment, the toe portion 105 is made of ared cedar, as supplied by Qingdao Joyee Housewares Co., Ltd. of Qingdao,Shandong, China, or as supplied by another cedar wood toe supplier. Foran embodiment, the toe portion 105 is used for a plurality of bootsizes.

For an embodiment, the toe portion 105 is made of a plastic, a metal, orother material to fit into the foot part of the boot. For an embodiment,the toe portion 105 has ventilation holes. For an embodiment, the toeportion 105 is cut from a generic last to fit various types of shoes.For an embodiment, the toe portion 105 has a non-last shape.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a skin 109 is deposited on an outer surface of theleg portion 101. For an embodiment, skin 109 is made of a material tomatch a lining of the boot. Skin 109 on the leg portion 101 is used tocreate a friction with the lining of the ankle part of the boot toprevent the boot tree holder from being pulled out the boot whenelevated above the floor. For an embodiment, the skin 109 on the legportion 101 acts as a boot staffer and boot shaper that expands toprovide a tension for the ankle part of the boot and to protect fromcreases and shrinking. For an embodiment, the skin 109 is an animalskin—for example, a sheepskin, a lambskin, a palomino type skin, or anyother skin including an exotic skin. For an embodiment, skin 109 issheepskin, as supplied by Jiaozuo Muneao Fur Products Co., Ltd. ofJiaozuo, Henan, China, or as supplied by another sheepskin supplier. Foran embodiment, the skin is made of a leather, a fur, a foam, or othermaterial, e.g., a sheepskin, a lambskin, a snakeskin, a vegan type skin,to shape the ankle part of the boot. Skin 109 covers a bottom part ofthe leg portion, as described in further detail below. For oneembodiment, a rim (not shown) is on a top edge of the leg portion 101. Acap 111 is configured to be placed on the rim. A handle 113 is attachedto the leg portion 101 below the rim to carry or hang the boot treeholder, as described in further detail below. For one embodiment, acoating is deposited on an inner surface of the leg portion, asdescribed in further detail below.

FIG. 2 shows a side view 221 and a top view 222 of a boot tree holder200 according to an embodiment. The boot tree holder 200 includes a legportion 201 to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot. The leg portion201 has a top edge and a bottom edge. A base 203 is at the bottom edgeof the leg portion 201, as shown in FIG. 2 . For an embodiment, the base203 is made of a wood. For another embodiment, the base 203 is made of aplastic, a metal, or other material. A swivel component 202 has a first(proximal) end connected to the base 203. The swivel component has asecond (distal) end that is connected to a rod 204. A toe portion 205 isconnected to the rod 204. An end of the rod 204 is inserted into anopening in the toe portion 205, as shown in FIG. 2 . For an embodiment,an end of the rod 204 is fastened in the toe portion 205 by using one ormore screws. The rod 204 is inserted into an opening in the toe portion205.

The toe portion 205 is configured to be inserted into a foot part of theboot. For one embodiment, the leg portion 201 has a cylinder shape witha through hole extending from the top edge to the bottom edge of the legportion, e.g. a tube. For one embodiment, the leg portion 201 flares outto accommodate the flared out boots. For alternative embodiments, theleg portion of the boot tree holder has a flat cone shape, a rectangularshape, a hexagonal shape, or any other shape to accommodate various bootstyles. As shown in FIG. 2 , the leg portion 201 is a cylinder with athrough hole. The leg portion 201 has an outer size 214 and an innersize 215. For one embodiment, the outer size 214 is in an approximaterange from about 5.5 centimeters (cm) to about 8 cm. For one embodiment,the outer size 214 is about 6.5 cm. For one embodiment, the inner size215 is approximately 4 cm to about 6 cm. For one embodiment, the innersize 215 is about 5 cm. For one embodiment, the length 216 of the legportion 201 is in a range from about 5 cm to about 70 cm. For oneembodiment, the length 216 of the leg portion 201 is in an approximaterange from 20 cm to about 30 cm. For one embodiment, the thickness ofthe walls of the leg portion 201 is in a range from about 0.5 cm toabout 1 cm. For one embodiment, the thickness of the walls of the legportion 201 is about 0.7 cm. For one embodiment, the circumference ofthe leg portion 201 is in a range from about 15 cm to about 30 cm. Forone embodiment, the circumference of the leg portion 201 is about 20 cm.For one embodiment, the leg portion 201 is made of an organicbiodegradable cardboard material.

For one embodiment, the leg portion 201 is a durable pressed cardboardcylinder that is machined rolled, as produced by 5 Star Packaging Inc.of Anaheim, Calif., or as produced by another cardboard tube supplier.For one embodiment, the leg portion is a metal leg portion. For anotherembodiment, the leg portion of the boot tree holder is a plastic legportion made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or another plastic. For oneembodiment, the leg portion 201 includes a storage space 224 to storeone or more products—for example, shoe cleaning supplies andaccessories.

For an embodiment, the swivel component is made of a plastic, a metal,or any combination thereof. For an embodiment, the swivel component ismade of a metal, e.g., chrome, anodized alloy, steel, or other metal.For an embodiment, the swivel component is a metal swivel joint, asmanufactured by Zhongshan Tuer Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd ofZhongshan, Guangdong, China, or as supplied by another swivel joint andconnector supplier. For an embodiment, the swivel component is made of aplastic or another material.

As shown in FIG. 2 , a coating 207 is deposited on an inner surface ofthe leg portion 201 to provide a clean environment inside the legportion to store one or more products—for example, shoe cleaningsupplies and accessories. For an embodiment, the coating 207 is a wearresistant coating. For an embodiment, the coating 207 is a plasticcoating. For another embodiment, the coating 207 is a metal coating, apaper coating, a fabric coating, or other coating. For an embodiment,the coating 207 is a transparent plastic coating. For anotherembodiment, the coating 207 is a white gloss sheen coating. For anembodiment, the coating 207 is deposited using one of the coatingdeposition techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art—forexample, a dip coating, brushing, roll coating, spraying, spin coating,flow coating, or other coating deposition technique.

Skin 209 is on an outer surface of the leg portion 201, as shown in FIG.2 . For one embodiment, the skin 209 is a sheepskin, as produced byJiaozuo Muneao Fur Products Co., Ltd. of Jiaozuo, Henan, China, orsupplied by another sheepskin supplier. For an embodiment, the skin ismade of leather, fur, or other material e.g., sheepskin, lambskin,snakeskin to shape the ankle part of the boot. For an embodiment, theskin 209 is attached to the outer surface of the leg portion 201 usingan adhesive, e.g., hand stitched, sewn, elastic for the bottom hole ofthe boot tree. For an embodiment, the skin 209 is attached to the outersurface of the leg portion 201 using a double-sided adhesive tape. Foran embodiment, a side of a double-sided adhesive tape is attached to theouter surface of the leg portion 201 and an opposite side of thedouble-sided adhesive tape is attached to the skin 209. For anembodiment, the skin 209 is attached to the outer surface of the legportion using one or more pieces of a VELCRO® brand fastener. For anembodiment, the sheepskin is wrapped around the cardboard cylinder ofthe leg portion with a strip or two of the VELCRO® brand fastener inbetween the cardboard cylinder and the lining of the sheepskin. For anembodiment, the skin 209 is stretched on the outer surface of the legportion and stitched using one or more stitching patterns. In anembodiment, in addition to Velcro®, an anti-slip traction rubber stripor tape can be applied.

Leg portion 201 represents a leg portion 101, or other leg portion ofthe boot tree holder. Toe portion 205 represents a toe portion 105, orother toe portion of the boot tree holder. The base 203 has a topsurface 231, a bottom surface 233, and a sidewall 232 between the topsurface 231 and the bottom surface 233. The swivel component 202 has ajoint 223 to adjust an angle 212 between the leg portion 201 and the toeportion 205. For one embodiment, angle 212 is adjusted in a range fromabout 0 degrees to about 360 degrees. For one embodiment, the angle 212is adjusted to be in a range from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 2 , angle 212 is greater than 90 degrees (dotted lines)when the toe portion 205 is inserted into the ankle part 121 of the bootand the bottom of the leg portion 101 is not on the sole 123 of theboot. The angle 212 is advantageously set to about a 90 degrees (solidlines) when the toe portion 205 is inserted into the foot part 122 ofthe boot and the bottom of the leg portion 201 drops down on the sole123 of the boot and locks in place to keep the ankle part 121 of theboot in upright position relative to the foot part 122 of the boot.

FIG. 3A is a side view 320 illustrating a swivel component according toan embodiment of the application. Swivel component 322 has a joint 325that connects an end portion 321 and an end portion 323. For anembodiment, the swivel component 322 represents the swivel component202, or other swivel components described in the application. For anembodiment, the end portion 323 rotates relative to end portion 321, sothat an angle 326 between the end portion 321 and end portion 323 isadjusted. For an embodiment, the joint 325 includes one or more screwsto connect to the end portion 321 and end portion 323 that rotaterelative to each other around an axis 324.

For one embodiment, angle 326 is adjusted in a range from about 0degrees to about 360 degrees. For an embodiment, angle 326 is adjustedin a range from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees. For oneembodiment, the joint 325 has enough rigidity to maintain a 90 degreesangle when the toe portion 205 is inserted into the foot part 122 of theboot and the bottom of the leg portion 201 drops down on the sole 123 ofthe boot and locks in place to keep the ankle part 121 of the boot inupright position relative to the foot part 122 of the boot.

For an embodiment, the end portion 321 has a thread that is insertedinto a base 203. For an embodiment, the end portion 323 has a thread tobe inserted into a connector 217 to connect to one end of the rod 204.For an embodiment, rod 204 is made of a metal. For another embodiment,rod 204 is made of plastic or another material. For one embodiment, thelength of each of the end portion 321 and end portion 323 is in a rangefrom about 1 cm to about 3 cm.

Referring back to FIG. 2 , the base 203 is at the bottom edge of the legportion 201. The base 203 extends along a central axis 218 from thebottom edge of the leg portion 201 to a predetermined height to embedthe swivel component and provide a center support for the boot. For oneembodiment, the height of the base 203 is in a range from about 3 cm toabout 8 cm, or other height. For one embodiment, the height of the base203 is about 5 cm. For one embodiment, the base 203 has a size and shapeto fit to the internal shape of the leg portion 201. For one embodiment,the base 203 has an opening to receive the swivel component 202. For anembodiment, the base 203 is a wooden base. For another embodiment, thebase 203 is a metal base. For yet another embodiment, the base 203 is aplastic base—for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or another plastic.For one embodiment, the base 203 is a wooden block with an opening toreceive a 90 degrees swivel joint in the middle of the block to providean adjustable 90 degrees angle between the toe portion and the legportion of the boot tree holder to maintain the shape of the boot. Forone embodiment, the base 203 is a wooden cylinder with a central hole toreceive the swivel component 202, as described in further detail below.For one embodiment, the outer diameter of the base is in a range fromabout 4 cm to about 6 cm. For one embodiment, the diameter of theopening in the base 203 to receive the swivel component 202 is in arange from about 1 cm to about 2 cm.

The sidewall 232 of the base 203 is adjacent to the inner surface at thebottom edge of the leg portion 201, as shown in FIG. 2 . For oneembodiment, the sidewall 232 of the base 203 is attached to the legportion 201 by one or more connectors 211—for example, one or morescrews, such as flat screws, or by other connectors. For one embodiment,the sidewall 232 of the base 203 is attached to the leg portion 201 byan adhesive—for example, Super Glue® adhesive or another adhesive.

As shown in FIG. 2 , an end of the rod 204 is connected to the distalend of the swivel component 202 via a connector 217. For one embodiment,the connector 217 is a part of the rod 204. For one embodiment, theconnector 217 is a tube that has an internal thread to receive amatching thread at the distal end of the swivel component 202. For anembodiment, the connector 217 is a metal connector, as manufactured byZhongshan Tuer Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd. of Zhongshan,Guangdong, China, or as supplied by another connector supplier. Foranother embodiment, the connector 217 is a plastic connector, or otherconnector. An opposing end of the rod 204 is coupled to the toe portion205. For one embodiment, the length of the rod 204 that extends betweenthe connector 217 and toe portion 205 is in a range from about 7 cm toabout 15 cm, or has another length. For one embodiment, the length ofthe rod 204 that extends between the connector 217 and toe portion 205is about 10 cm. For one embodiment, the rod 204 has a cylinder shape, arectangular shape, or other shape. For one embodiment, the swivelcomponent 202 is a metal swivel joint that is embedded inside a woodenbase to provide an adjustable angle between the leg portion and the toeportion of the boot tree holder to maintain a shape of the boot.

FIG. 3B illustrates a plurality of views of a swivel component 332 thatis positioned at a bottom edge of a base 334 of the boot tree holderaccording to an embodiment of the application. The swivel component 332represents a swivel component of the boot tree holder. The base 334represents a base of the boot tree holder. The base 334 has an opening338 to receive the proximal end of the swivel component 332. A frontview 330 shows the swivel component 332 having a proximal end 333inserted into the opening 338 in the base 334. The swivel component 332has a distal end 331 that is positioned vertically relative to a topsurface of the base 334, as shown in the view 330. For one embodiment,each of the distal end 331 and proximal end 333 has a thread thereon.For one embodiment, the thread of the proximal end 333 is used to insertand fasten the proximal end of the swivel component 332 in the base 334.The swivel component 332 has a joint 335 that connects the proximal end333 and the distal end 331. As shown in view 330, the joint 335 has anopening 336 to provide a space for the distal end 331 to tilt toward aplane that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the base 334.

A side view 340 shows the swivel component 332 having the proximal end333 inserted into the base 334 and the distal end 331 positionedvertically relative to the top surface of the base 334. For anembodiment, the distal end 331 has shaved portions—such as a shavedportion 339—that are substantially flat and unshaved threaded portions,such as a threaded portion 337. For an embodiment, the shaved portionsare on opposing sidewalls of the distal end 331.

A side view 350 shows the swivel component 332 with the proximal end 333inserted into the base 334. The distal end 331 is tilted towards a planethat is substantially parallel to the top surface of the base 334. Asshown in view 350, an angle between the distal end 331 and the proximalend 333 is about 90 degrees.

A top view 360 shows the swivel component 332 having the proximal end333 inserted into opening 338 in the base 334 and the distal end 331positioned vertically relative to the top surface of the base 334. Forone embodiment, the distal end 331 has a threaded through hole cylindershape, as shown in view 360. For one embodiment, the distal end 331 hasa screw shape, or other shape, to connect to a rod of the toe portion ofthe boot tree holder.

FIG. 4A shows a side view 410, a top view 400 and a bottom view 450 of aboot tree holder according to an embodiment of the application. A boottree holder 404 includes a leg portion 401, a swivel component 402, abase 403, a rod 407 and a toe portion 405, as shown in a side view 410.The leg portion 401, swivel component 402, base 403, rod 407 and toeportion 405 represent the corresponding leg portion, swivel component,base, rod and toe portion of embodiments of the boot tree holder, asdescribed above. As shown in view 410, the base 403 extends from thebottom edge of the leg portion 401 along a central axis of the legportion 401 to a predetermined height, as described above.

A skin 409 is attached to an outer surface of the leg portion 401, asdescribed above. For one embodiment, the skin 409 covers the sidewallsand the bottom of the leg portion 401, as shown in view 410 and in view450. As shown in view 450, the skin 409 on the bottom surface of the legportion 401 flushes with the joint of the swivel component 402. As shownin view 450, the joint of the swivel component 402 is exposed through anopening in the skin 409. The swivel component 402 has a joint to adjustan angle 412 between the leg portion 401 and the toe portion 405, asdescribed above. The swivel component 402 is connected to the rod 407via a connector 411, as described above. As shown in side view 410 andtop view 400, the leg portion 401 has an opening 418. A rim 419 isplaced on the top edge of the leg portion 401 around the opening 418 toprotect from wear and reinforce the top edge of the leg portion 401.

As shown in view 410, skin 409 does not cover the rim 419. For anembodiment, the rim 419 is a plastic rim. As shown in view 410, the rim419 has a top portion 406 and a sidewall portion 408 that extends fromthe top portion 406 at about 90 degrees angle to a predetermined length.For example, the length of the sidewall portion may be in a range fromabout 0.5 cm to about 2.0 cm. The top portion 406 is placed on the topedge of the leg portion 401. The sidewall portion 408 extends along thesidewall of the leg portion 401. For an embodiment, the rim 419 has ashape to fit the opening 418 at the top edge of the leg portion 401. Foran embodiment, the rim 419 has a ring shape, or other shape to fit theopening 418 at the top edge of the leg portion 401. A cap 421 is placedon the rim 419, as shown in view 410 and in view 400.

For an embodiment, a handle 413 is attached to the leg portion 401 belowthe rim 419. For an embodiment, the handle 413 is a leather strap. Foran embodiment, the handle 413 is a plastic handle, or wooden handle, orother material handle. For an embodiment, the handle 413 is attachedbetween the skin 409 and the leg portion 401 using an adhesive, such asa Super Glue® adhesive, or other adhesive. For one embodiment, one endof the handle 413 is attached to one side of the leg portion 401 andanother end of the handle 413 is attached to an opposite side of the legportion 401 over the rim 419, as shown in FIG. 4A. For an embodiment,the handle 413 is a leather strap. For an embodiment, the opening 418 isused to store one or more products, e.g., shoe cleaning supplies andaccessories.

FIG. 4B shows a top view 430 and a side view 440 of a cap 431 for theboot tree holder according to an embodiment of the application. The cap431 represents one of the caps as described above. The cap 431 includesa top portion 432 and a bottom portion 433 that extends vertically downfrom a central part of the top portion 432. The bottom portion 433 has asize to fit to the internal size of the leg portion 401. For anembodiment, the size of the bottom portion 433 is smaller than the sizeof the top portion 432.

For an embodiment, the bottom portion 433 has a groove 435 to receive apad 434 to provide padding for the bottom portion 433 to fit to theinternal size of the leg portion. For an embodiment, the bottom portion433 has a groove 435 to receive a pad 434 to provide padding for thebottom portion 433 to twist and lock into the opening at the top edge ofthe leg portion. For an embodiment, the cap 431 is a wooden cap, forexample a bamboo cap, as produced by Shenzhen Embrace Underwear Co.,Ltd. of Shenzhen, Guandong, China, or as supplied by another lidsupplier. For an embodiment, the pad 434 is a plastic pad, a rubber pad,or other material pad.

FIG. 5 shows views of a boot tree holder according to an alternativeembodiment of the application. An assembly view 511 shows a leg portion501, a bottom cap 517, a rod portion 504, and a toe portion 505. The legportion 501 is configured to be inserted into an ankle part of a boot,as described above. The toe portion 505 is configured to be insertedinto a foot part of the boot, as described above. The leg portion 501has a top edge 531, a bottom edge 532 and a space 533 within sidewallsextending between the top edge 531 and the bottom edge 532, as shown inview 511.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the leg portion 501 is a main cylinder 514. A frontview 512, a section A-A view 513 and a top view 510 of the main cylinder514 are depicted in FIG. 5 . For one embodiment, the space 533 in theleg portion 501 is used to store one or more products—for example, shoecleaning supplies and accessories. For an embodiment, a threaded hole515 is formed at the top edge of the leg portion 501 to receive amatching cap 509. The leg portion 501 includes holes 516 in the opposingsidewalls of the cylinder of the leg portion 501 to receive a pin 523 tofasten the base 503 to the leg portion 501.

The bottom cap 517 is at the bottom edge 532 of the leg portion 501, asshown in view 511. A front view 518, a side view 519 and a top view 521of the bottom cap 517 according one embodiment are depicted in FIG. 5 .The bottom cap 517 includes a base 503 and a connector 502. The base 503is within an internal sidewall of the leg portion 501. The connector 502extends outside from the bottom edge 532 of the leg portion 501. For anembodiment, the bottom cap 517 is made of a wood, a plastic, a metal,other material, or any combination thereof.

The base 503 has a receptacle 507 for a pin 523. For an embodiment thebase 503 is attached to the sidewall of the leg portion 501 using thepin 523 that is inserted into the receptacle 507. As shown in FIG. 5 ,the connector 502 is connected to a rod portion 504 using a couplingcomponent that acts as a swivel to provide an angle between the toeportion and the leg portion that is adjustable. For one embodiment, thecoupling component that connects the connector 502 and the rod portion504 is a bottom cap pin 522, as shown in FIG. 5 . The rod portion 504has a receptacle 506 to receive an extension to the toe portion 505. Foran embodiment, the toe portion 505 is fastened in the receptacle 506 byusing one or more screws. A skin 508 is on an outer surface of the legportion 501, as described above.

For one embodiment, the diameter of the matching cap 509 is in a rangefrom about 1 cm to about 3 cm. For one embodiment, the diameter of theleg portion 501 is about from about 2 cm to about 6 cm. For oneembodiment, the length of the leg portion 501 is from about 20 cm toabout 40 cm. For one embodiment, the length of the rod portion 504 is ina range from about 7 cm to about 15 cm. For one embodiment, the legportion 501 has a circumference in an approximate range from about 10 cmto about 25 cm.

For one embodiment, the leg portion 501 is made of a cardboard, a metal,a plastic, or any combination thereof. For an embodiment, the connector502 is made of a metal, a plastic, other material, or any combinationthereof. For one embodiment, a coating (not shown) is deposited on aninner surface of the leg portion 501 to provide a clean environmentinside the leg portion to store one or more products—for example, shoecleaning supplies and accessories.

FIG. 6 shows views of a boot tree holder according to an alternativeembodiment of the application. A leg portion assembly view 610 shows aleg portion 601. The leg portion has a top edge 635 and a bottom edge636 and a space 634 within sidewalls extending between the top edge 635and the bottom edge 636. A cap 609 is on the top edge 635. For anembodiment, a skin is on an outer surface of the leg portion 601, asdescribed above.

The leg portion 601 is a main cylinder 633. A front view 606, a sectionA-A view 607, a top view 619 of the main cylinder 633 according oneembodiment are depicted in FIG. 6 . The section A-A view 607 includes across-sectional view 608 of the cap 609. A front view 626, a side view625 and a top view 621 of the cap 609 according to one embodiment aredepicted in FIG. 6 . For an embodiment, the cap 609 is a pull handlethat is fastened on the top edge 635 of the leg portion 601 using ascrew 618 and a threaded nut. A top view 615 and side view 616 of thethreaded nut for the pull handle are depicted in FIG. 6 .

A bottom cap 617 is at the bottom edge 636. The bottom cap 617 has abase 603 and a connector 602. A front view 629 and a side view 631 ofthe bottom cap 617 according to one embodiment are depicted in FIG. 6 .The base 603 is within an internal sidewall of the leg portion 601. Theconnector 602 extends outside from the bottom edge 636 of the legportion 601. For one embodiment, connector 602 acts as a portion of aswivel to provide an angle between a toe portion and the leg portion ofthe boot tree holder that is adjustable, as described above.

For one embodiment, the base 603 has an opening to receive a maincylinder pin 613 to fasten the base 603 to the sidewall of the legportion 601. For one embodiment, the connector 602 has an opening toreceive a bottom cap pin 612 to connect to the toe portion of the boottree holder. The toe portion includes a toe holder 614, as shown in view611. The toe holder 614 has an end 623 and an end 624. A side view 628,a top view of the end 624 and a top view of the end 623 of the toeholder 614 according to one embodiment are depicted in FIG. 6 . The toeholder 614 includes a spring 604 that is used to adjust a size of thetoe portion of the boot tree holder, as shown in view 611. For oneembodiment, the spring 604 has one end that is attached to a steel shaftfor a toe 622. The spring 604 has an opposite end that is attached tothe end 624 of the toe holder 614 via a spring retaining pin 632.

For one embodiment, the leg portion 601 is made of a cardboard, a metal,a plastic, or any combination thereof. For an embodiment, the bottom cap617 is made of a wood, a metal, a plastic, or any combination thereof.For one embodiment, a coating (not shown) is deposited on an innersurface of the leg portion 601 to provide a clean environment inside theleg portion to store one or more products—for example, shoe cleaningsupplies and accessories.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a boot tree holder 700 according to analternative embodiment of the application. For one embodiment, the boottree holder 700 includes a leg portion 703 to be inserted into an anklepart of a boot, a toe portion 702 to be inserted into a foot part of theboot, a swivel component 704 having an end coupled to the leg portion703 and an opposing end coupled the toe portion 702 via a rod 705, asdescribed above. A cap 701 is on a top edge of the leg portion. For oneembodiment, the boot tree holder 700 represents one of the boot treeholders, as described above.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method 800 to manufacture a boot tree holderaccording to an embodiment of the application. The method 800 comprisescoupling a first end of a swivel component to a leg portion 101 of theboot tree holder, wherein the leg portion is to be inserted into anankle part of a boot at operation 801, as described above. At operation802 a second end of the swivel component is coupled to a toe portion 105of the boot tree holder, wherein the toe portion is to be inserted intoa foot part of the boot. The swivel component is configured to providean angle between the toe portion and the leg portion that is adjustable,as described above.

The method 800 comprises inserting a first end of the swivel componentinto a base, inserting the base into the leg portion, connecting asecond end of the swivel component to a rod, wherein the rod isconfigured to be coupled to the toe portion of the boot tree holder, asdescribed above. For an embodiment, the method 800 comprises attaching askin to an outer surface of the leg portion of the boot tree holder. Foran embodiment, the method 800 comprises applying a coating to an innersurface of the leg portion of the boot tree holder. For an embodiment,the method 800 comprises placing a rim on a first edge of the legportion, wherein a cap is to be placed on the rim; and attaching ahandle to the leg portion below the rim, as described above. For anembodiment, the method 800 comprises adjusting the angle between the toeportion and the leg portion using the swivel component, as describedabove.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 900 to use a boot tree holder toprovide a shape to a boot according to an embodiment of the application.The method comprises inserting the boot tree holder into the boot,wherein the boot comprises an ankle part and a foot part, and whereinthe boot tree holder comprises a leg portion to be inserted into theankle part of a boot, a swivel component coupled to the leg portion, anda toe portion coupled to the swivel component that is to be insertedinto the foot part of the boot, wherein the swivel component isconfigured to provide an angle between the toe portion and the legportion that is adjustable at operation 901, as described above. Atoperation 902 the angle is adjusted to about a 90 degrees when the toeportion is inserted into the foot part of the boot, as described above.

In at least one embodiment, the boot tree holder comprises a baseconnected to a first end of the swivel component and a rod connected toa second end of the swivel component. In at least one embodiment, thetoe portion of the boot tree holder is coupled to the rod that is to beinserted into the foot part of the boot, as described above. In at leastone embodiment, a skin is on an outer surface of the leg portion of theboot tree holder, and a coating is on an inner surface of the legportion of the boot tree holder, as described above. In at least oneembodiment, a rim is placed on a first edge of the leg portion of theboot tree holder, a cap is placed on the rim, and a handle is placed onthe leg portion below the rim, as described above. In at least oneembodiment, the leg portion of the boot tree holder comprises a storagespace to store one or more products.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the application have beendescribed with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. Itwill be evident that various modifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of embodiments of theapplication as set forth in the following claims. The specification anddrawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative senserather than a restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A boot tree holder, comprising: a leg portion tobe inserted into an ankle part of a boot; a swivel component coupled tothe leg portion; and a toe portion coupled to the swivel component thatis to be inserted into a foot part of the boot, wherein the swivelcomponent is configured to provide an angle between the toe portion andthe leg portion that is adjustable.
 2. The boot tree holder of claim 1,further comprising: a base coupled to the leg portion; and a rod coupledto the toe portion, wherein the swivel component comprises a first endconnected to the base and a second end connected to the rod.
 3. The boottree holder of claim 1, further comprising: a skin on an outer surfaceof the leg portion.
 4. The boot tree holder of claim 1, furthercomprising: a coating on an inner surface of the leg portion.
 5. Theboot tree holder of claim 1, further comprising: a rim on a first edgeof the leg portion; a cap on the rim; and a handle on the leg portionbelow the rim.
 6. The boot tree holder of claim 1, wherein the angle isadjusted to a 90 degrees angle when the toe portion is inserted into thefoot part of the boot.
 7. The boot tree holder of claim 1, wherein theleg portion comprises a storage space to store one or more products. 8.A boot tree holder, comprising: a leg portion to be inserted into anankle part of a boot, the leg portion comprising a first edge and asecond edge; a base to be inserted into the leg portion at the secondedge; a swivel component comprising a first end connected to the baseand a second end; a rod connected to the second end; and a toe portionconnected to the rod that is to be inserted into a foot part of theboot, wherein the swivel component is configured to provide a 90 degreesangle between the toe portion and the leg portion when the toe portionis inserted into the foot part of the boot.
 9. The boot tree holder ofclaim 8, wherein the leg portion has a cylinder shape.
 10. The boot treeholder of claim 8, further comprising: a skin on an outer surface of theleg portion.
 11. The boot tree holder of claim 8, further comprising: acoating on an inner surface of the leg portion.
 12. The boot tree holderof claim 8, further comprising: a plastic rim on the first edge of theleg portion; and a cap on the rim.
 13. The boot tree holder of claim 12,further comprising: a handle on the leg portion below the rim.
 14. Theboot tree holder of claim 8, wherein the leg portion comprises a storagespace to store one or more products.
 15. A method to manufacture a boottree holder, comprising: coupling a first end of a swivel component to aleg portion of the boot tree holder, wherein the leg portion is to beinserted into an ankle part of a boot; and coupling a second end of theswivel component to a toe portion of the boot tree holder, wherein thetoe portion is to be inserted into a foot part of the boot, and whereinthe swivel component is configured to provide an angle between the toeportion and the leg portion that is adjustable.
 16. The method of claim15, further comprising: inserting the first end of the swivel componentinto a base; inserting the base into the leg portion; and connecting thesecond end of the swivel component to a rod, wherein the rod isconfigured to be coupled to the toe portion.
 17. The method of claim 15,further comprising: attaching a skin to an outer surface of the legportion.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: applying acoating to an inner surface of the leg portion.
 19. The method of claim15, further comprising: placing a rim on a first edge of the legportion, wherein a cap is to be placed on the rim; and attaching ahandle to the leg portion below the rim.
 20. The method of claim 15,further comprising: adjusting the angle between the toe portion and theleg portion using the swivel component.